The musical trio EMP hails from the heart of Texas, composed of the talented individuals Alex Erhardt, Nathan Mays, and Maxx Salazar. With a rich tapestry of influences stemming from their backgrounds in progressive rock, jazz, post-punk, and electronic music, EMP embodies a thrilling collision of rhythm, boundless energy, immersive ambience, and an unwavering passion for the uncharted realms of music. Their approach is akin to bringing a vibraphone to a knife fight, and every time, they emerge as the victorious champions, leaving a trail of sonic wonders in their wake. Today the group debuts their new single and video for “Tryst Issues,” which brings the essence of their music to life.
With each composition, EMP embarks on a musical journey, constantly elevating their sense of adventure, taking their listeners along for the ride. Their distinct sound is a manifestation of vintage tonalities woven together from their collective imagination, meticulously twisted and molded with a fervent musical intensity, ultimately birthing a unique melodic language that is entirely their own.
The group shares:
‘”Tryst Issues” came together rather quickly. It was the second song we wrote after Smell Ya L8r. The melody is a clunky Dead Kennedys melody. I still don’t remember how we came up with those little breaks in the down sections, but we really like how they turned out. I was re-reading a favorite book of mine Seven Footprints to Satan by A. Merrit. Fun fact about that one; it was one of the last if not the last silent movies ever made. The book was written sometime in the mid/late 1920’s. The quote in the last down section was from a chapter in the book when he first felt a presence (“Satan”) following him. And while Satan may not have the time to follow all of us, I think we have definitely all felt that way before in one way or another. Our producer, aCr, had a sick old telephone mic that we recorded it on in the control room to give it that ominous feeling.‘
As they traverse through the landscapes of sound, EMP’s music serves as an auditory odyssey, painting vivid soundscapes and pushing the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve. Their approach is not just about making music but about sculpting an immersive experience for their audience, where every note and rhythm becomes a vessel for emotion and exploration.
In the ever-evolving world of music, EMP stands as a testament to the power of artistic innovation, forging their path by infusing diverse musical influences into a harmonious and captivating tapestry of sound. With each performance and composition, they remind us that the possibilities within instrumental music are boundless and that their melodic language continues to evolve, promising more exciting adventures for the discerning listener.
